Former Rider Crandell headlines Huskies offensive coaches

Some familiar names will make up the offensive coaching staff for the University of Saskatchewan football team in 2017.

Former Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Marcus Crandell was named offensive coordinator, headlining the group named by new head coach Scott Flory on Monday.

Crandell, whose pro football career spanned 11 seasons in the CFL, XFL and NFL Europe, was a Grey Cup MVP with Calgary in 2001 and won a second ring with the Riders in 2007.

“Marcus Crandell’s experience as an elite quarterback and coach in the CFL will help our team grow immensely,” head coach Scott Flory said. “He brings a level of expertise with the passing game and having him there will be fantastic for our young quarterbacks..”

Joining Crandell on the offensive coaching staff is Duane Dmytryshyn (receivers), Dan Houle (running backs), Lane Bryksa (offensive line) and Jeremy Long (receivers & quarterbacks). That group is made entirely of Huskies alumni.

Dmytryshyn won a Vanier Cup with the U of S in 1990 before an eight-year CFL career. Houle and Bryksa are returning staff members while Long is newer to coaching after retiring from football in 2014.

“These guys add perspective and energy and there is a real deep care for this program,” Flory said.

Flory will announce his special team’s staff Tuesday, followed by his defensive staff on Wednesday. The Huskies begin their spring camp kicks on Thursday, beginning with the 17th annual Dogs’ Breakfast which features Grey Cup MVP Henry Burris as a guest speaker.